Minister stresses importance of effective information flow between govt, citizens

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Bello, has emphasised  the importance of effective information dissemination in the relationship between government and the governed.

Bello, who stated this at the official presentation of the FCT Citizens’ Engagement Platform, on Tuesday in Abuja, identified transparency, accountability, and the provision of adequate and timely information to the citizenry as the hallmarks of good governance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the FCT Citizens’ Engagement Platform was initiated by the FCT Department of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement.

Represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, the minister explained that the FCT Citizens’ Engagement Platform, was to ensure the attainment of the objectives of having a robust government and citizens interface, that would ultimately translate into better quality of life for Abuja residents.

Bello, however, warned that every great advancement in technology had its drawbacks, noting that the issue of fake news had been identified as one of the flaws of the modern information age.

He said it was essential that government leveraged on technology to reach the people as quickly, and as often as possible, through an effective platform.

“And very accessible, and above all else, a veritable and trusted means of information which provides an opportunity for feedback.

“The Citizens’ Engagement Platform, which consists of two websites and a mobile application, has all of these features.

“And I am informed it is being used very effectively by residents of the FCT in the successful management of COVID-19 and other essential services, such as traffic management and provision of security,” Bello said.

On her part, the FCT minister of state, noted that the presentation of the platform, was a clear demonstration of the determination of the current administration to smoothen residents’ accessibility of authority and provide better public services.

Represented by the Chief of Staff to FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Mai-Bornu, Aliyu added that the platform would make governmental internal decision-making processes more efficient, and increase possibilities for public participation in democratic processes.

She also said that the platform would sustain democracy and good governance, especially in the era of reduced public interactions due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Also, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, the acting Director of FCT Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, called on operatives of the FCTA, to fully adopt and utilise the platform as a fundamental tool in public service delivery.